Most promising nanotechnology breakthroughs in energy, medicine and advanced materials to be showcased February 18

HOUSTON – (February 05, 2010) - The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship will host its 9th Annual Nanotechnology and Sustainability Venture Forum on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business in McNair Hall.

“More than 20 emerging nanotechnology companies from across the U.S. will showcase new nanotechnologies in energy, clean tech, medicine, consumer products and advanced materials,” said Brad Burke, managing director of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship. “Four hundred plus investors and venture capitalists, industry representatives, business leaders, and entrepreneurs will be in attendance to learn about these promising new advancements.”

Attendees will develop heightened understandings of investment opportunities in the industry as they hear from the nation’s most prominent venture capitalists in nanotechnology. Industry experts, including professionals and leading scholars, will provide insight into how emerging nanotechnology applications are being utilized by businesses today, and will share predictions for the future of nanotechnology.

The forum is underwritten by Winstead and co-hosted by the Rice University Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. Additional supporters include: Rice Center for Biological & Environmental Nanotechnology (CBEN); National Science Foundation (NSF); BusinessMakers Radio Show; Houston Business Journal; Greater Houston Partnership; and the Houston Technology Center.

The pre-registration deadline for the Nanotechnology and Sustainability Venture Forum is February 15. The event is free to members of The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and full-time Rice University students, faculty and staff. The pre-registration cost for members of the general public is $75. The cost for all individuals who do not register prior to February 15 is $85.

For information about the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship or to register for the forum, call 713-348-3443 or visit www.alliance.rice.edu.

About the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship

The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship (Rice Alliance) is Rice University’s nationally-recognized initiative devoted to the support of technology commercialization, entrepreneurship education, and the launch of technology companies. It was formed as a strategic alliance of three schools: the George R. Brown School of Engineering, the Wiess School of Natural Sciences and the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.

Since inception, the Rice Alliance has assisted in the launch of more than 250 start-ups which have raised more than half a billion dollars in early-stage capital. More than 750 companies have presented at the 115+ programs hosted by the Rice Alliance.